Bharat Ratna Atal Bihari Vajpayee was one of the rare personalities in Indian politics whose identity was defined not by power or position but by his ideals, compassion, and unwavering devotion to the nation. His personality was truly “unwavering” (Atal). He was firm in his convictions, dignified in his conduct, and compassionate in his interactions. He was a statesman whom even his opponents respected, and his supporters considered him an ideal public leader.
Atal Ji was born on December 25, 1924, in the historic city of Gwalior in Madhya Pradesh. Associated with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, he chose the path of national service. After entering politics, he provided ideological strength to the Jan Sangh and, later, to the Bharatiya Janata Party. He was not merely a leader of a political party, but a true guardian of democratic values. His speeches in Parliament were a wonderful blend of logic, decorum, and wit. He knew the art of expressing dissent with respect. His personality was multifaceted. On the one hand, he was a skilled administrator and a visionary statesman; on the other, a sensitive poet and a lover of literature. His poems reflect patriotism, human suffering, and hope.
Atal Bihari Vajpayee served as a member of the Indian Parliament and a public servant for over four decades. He was elected to the Lok Sabha (the lower house of Parliament) 10 times and to the Rajya Sabha (the upper house) 2 times. After hearing a powerful speech by Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee in the Lok Sabha, India’s first Prime Minister, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, remarked, “This boy will one day become the Prime Minister of India.” Despite ideological differences, Pandit Nehru openly appreciated Vajpayee’s oratory skills, logical reasoning, and adherence to democratic principles, a prediction that later proved true. He first became the Prime Minister of India on May 16, 1996.
Atal Bihari Vajpayee was the tenth Prime Minister of India. He held the office of Prime Minister three times, first for 13 days from May 16, 1996, to June 1, 1996. He then served two consecutive terms: first, from March 19, 1998, to October 13, 1999; and again from October 13, 1999, to May 22, 2004. Starting his life as a Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) activist and having taken a vow of lifelong celibacy, Atal Ji became the first Prime Minister of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government and, as a non-Congress Prime Minister, completed his full five-year term without interruption. He was the first and only Prime Minister to lead an NDA government comprising 24 parties, with 81 ministers.
“Haar nahi maanuga ,Rar Nahi Thanugan”(“हार नहीं मानूंगा, रार नहीं ठानूंगा”) this line from his original poem perfectly expresses his life philosophy. Even in difficult circumstances, he never lost his patience and composure. As Prime Minister of India, Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee provided the country with a new direction and vision. Through the nuclear tests at Pokhran in Rajasthan, he firmly established India’s strategic capabilities before the world. Furthermore, through initiatives like the “bus journey” and “peace initiatives,” he made a courageous attempt to engage in dialogue with neighbouring countries. It was a testament to his unwavering character that he believed in balancing both strength and peace. Atal Ji’s greatest quality was his ethical conduct in politics. Even while in power, he never compromised on his values and principles. In the era of coalition politics, he set an example of taking everyone along. He gave new momentum to the country’s infrastructure through projects like the National Highway Development Project and the Golden Quadrilateral. These decisions reflect his foresight and developmental thinking. His respect for the opposition exemplified the maturity of democracy. He believed that a strong opposition is essential for a strong democracy. That is why he considered Parliament not merely a platform for power, but a confluence of ideas. His conduct lent dignity and respectability to politics. Vajpayee’s personality remains an inspiration for Indian politics even today. He showed that dialogue, consensus, and compassion are possible even with a firm ideology. He was truly a man of unwavering character who, despite the times, circumstances, and criticism, always remained steadfast in his principles.
A unique and unparalleled example of Atal Ji’s personality was witnessed when, during the Congress regime, Prime Minister P.V. Narasimha Rao sent him to represent India at the United Nations. At that time, Vajpayee Ji was not in power, but was the leader of the opposition. Despite this, prioritising national interests, the Narasimha Rao government appointed him as India’s representative. This opportunity arose when attempts were being made to corner India on international platforms regarding the issues of Kashmir and human rights. Pakistan was trying to internationalise India’s internal affairs. In such a sensitive time, India needed a leader whose international acceptance, oratorical skills, political experience, and moral credibility were unquestionable, and these qualities were inherently present in Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee. At the United Nations, Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee presented India’s case in an extremely balanced, factual, and firm manner. He clarified that Kashmir is an internal matter of India and that any form of terrorism is the greatest violation of human rights. His arguments were not marked by anger but by confidence and restraint, which strengthened India’s position. The most significant aspect of this event was that it served as an example of prioritising the national interest above party politics. He conveyed the message that India speaks with one voice on international platforms, regardless of political differences within the country. This incident became a powerful symbol of the maturity of Indian parliamentary democracy, the opposition’s responsibility, and the leadership’s magnanimity. Vajpayee Ji’s representation of India at the United Nations was not merely a diplomatic event, but also a global expression of India’s unity, dignity, and self-respect.
Atal Ji was a Hindi poet, journalist, and a brilliant orator. He was one of the founders of the Bharatiya Jana Sangh and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). He also served as the president of the Jana Sangh from 1968 to 1973 and was the founding president of the BJP in 1980. He also edited numerous newspapers and magazines imbued with nationalistic fervour, such as Rashtradharma, Panchjanya, and Veer Arjun, for a long time. Due to his lifelong commitment to remaining unmarried, he was also called the Bhishma Pitamah of politics. For his great services to the nation, he was awarded the Bharat Ratna, the country’s highest civilian award, by the Government of India.
Later, due to health concerns, Vajpayee withdrew from active politics and lived in his government residence at 6-A Krishna Menon Marg in New Delhi. However, ironically, after a prolonged illness, Shri Vajpayee passed away on August 16, 2018, at AIIMS (All India Institute of Medical Sciences) in New Delhi. His funeral procession in the national capital, New Delhi, was a grand affair, with hundreds of leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, walking on foot to the final resting place. Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s memorial is named “Sadaiv Atal” (Always Steadfast), located in the National Memorial Complex near Raj Ghat and Vijay Ghat in New Delhi. It is designed in the shape of a lotus flower. The name “Sadaiv Atal” symbolises his personality, his ideals, and his unwavering devotion to the nation.
Close Relationship with Rajasthan
Atal Bihari Vajpayee had not only a political but also an emotional and ideological connection with Rajasthan. He felt a deep connection to the state’s valiant history, culture, and self-respect. This is why Rajasthan held a special place in his politics and public life. Vajpayee also had a guiding influence on Rajasthan’s politics. He maintained affectionate and mentoring relationships with leaders such as former Vice President Bhairon Singh Shekhawat, former Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje, and former Union Minister Jaswant Singh Jasol. He not only provided organisational strength to Rajasthan’s leaders but also taught them lessons in democratic principles and ideological clarity. As Prime Minister, Vajpayee gave special priority to the development of Rajasthan. The Golden Quadrilateral project, the expansion of national highways, the development of infrastructure in border areas, and the implementation of special schemes for water-scarce regions directly benefited Rajasthan. As a border state, he was particularly attentive to security and road connectivity. Atal Ji also had a deep affection for Rajasthan’s folk culture, folk songs, and literature. He drew inspiration from Rajasthani epics and history. In public meetings, he often praised the land of Rajasthan, saying that the state symbolised valour, sacrifice, and self-respect. His affection for Rajasthan is also evident in his frequent visits, his interactions with the common people, and the close relationships he maintained with party workers. The people of Rajasthan considered him not just a national leader, but their own leader. Thus, the relationship between Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Rajasthan transcended politics; it was a bond of affection, trust, and shared values that will forever remain unforgettable.
Late Shri Vajpayee ji held a significant place in my political life as well. The affection, warmth, and guidance I received from him have always given me new inspiration. On the occasion of Atal ji’s birth centenary, my book ‘Sanatan Sanskriti Ki Atal Drishti’ published by Prabhat Prakashan, was recently launched by Vice President Shri C.P. Radhakrishnan at the Vice President’s Enclave in New Delhi. The launch was attended by Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Shri Nitin Gadkari, Union Minister of State for Agriculture Shri Bhagirath Choudhary, All India Publicity Chief of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh Shri Sunil Ambekar, Chairman of National Book Trust Shri Milind Marathe, Vice President’s Secretary Shri Amit Khare, and many other dignitaries. In this book, I have humbly attempted to shed light on the personality and achievements of Shri Vajpayee ji in detail.
In the political history of India, the name of Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee ji will always be etched as a symbol of respect, dignity, and patriotism, and he will forever remain an unwavering star in Indian politics. My heartfelt salutations and humble tribute to him on his birth anniversary…
